Lifestyles, Madison, News, RSS Twitter
 By  GreggParker Published 
6:40 pm Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Elder likes Madison’s landscapes and convenience

David and Susan Elder enjoy hiking Rainbow Mountain and walking on Madison's greenways. CONTRIBUTED

David and Susan Elder enjoy hiking Rainbow Mountain and walking on Madison’s greenways. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – To Susan Elder, Madison is a beautiful location, with its rolling hills, trees and plants.

Her hometown, Denison, Texas, and Madison are similar demographically. “But where else on this planet can you live in the land of rocket scientists?” she said.

She and husband David hike Rainbow Mountain and walk Indian Creek Greenway often with their dogs, “AKA ‘the girls,’ Lucy and Rooby.”

The Elders and their neighbors are close-knit and have block get-togethers twice each year.

She also appreciates her church home, Asbury United Methodist. “I love that Asbury, Kroger, the library, La Placita, Gates Cleaners and TJ Maxx are all five minutes away,” she said. “We may fuss about the traffic, but it’s nothing like Dallas traffic jams.”

She also worked for a consulting firm with long-term assignments in Portland, Maine, Washington D.C. and Kansas City, Mo.

“I initially moved to Huntsville from Texas in 1990. I moved back to Texas in 1999, thinking Huntsville/Madison had been nice, but I’d probably never see it again,” Elder said.

However, Elder’s friends filled her going-away weekend with her local activities — biking to movies. Elder was surprised by “a kiss from a dear friend and the confession he had fallen in love with me. I moved back to Madison in 2000 to marry my best friend and soulmate, David Elder,” she said.

She describes David as the “best man on Earth, Eagle Scout, retired rocket scientist.”

“I’m blessed with the best children I never had,” she said. Her stepchildren are Zach Elder, Auburn University student; Holly Bratton and husband Ron of Muscle Shoals and their sons, Blake and Brodie; and Tracy Hardage and husband Jonathan of Owens Crossroads and daughter Madison.

Susan works as Madison site coordinator for Christian Women’s Job Corps of Madison County, which offers free, faith-based education for women in need (cwjc.net).

“I was raised by my grandparents and had a meager childhood. I followed academic scholarships” to Grayson County College and Tarrant County Junior College in Texas; University of Alabama in Huntsville; and Athens State University. She earned a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems.

Susan’s hobbies include Bible study, cooking, outdoor activities, construction projects at their lake house and photography. Her music taste ranges from country to classical.

Also on The Madison Record
Tri-agency traffic enforcement targets speeders on I-565
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
By STAFF REPORTS 
July 16, 2025
MADISON  – In a united front to crack down on excessive speeding, the Huntsville Police Department (HPD), Madison County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and t...
Local athletes set for North-South battles
A: Main, Madison County Record, News, ...
Bob Labbe 
July 16, 2025
MADISON - Some of the top rising senior high school athletes are about to invade the Alabama Capitol City of Montgomery July 21-25 for the 29th annual...
NASA, Orion to host Marshall’s 65th anniversary celebration this Saturday
A: Main, Events, Madison County Record, ...
Staff Reports 
July 16, 2025
HUNTSVILLE - NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center is inviting the community to help celebrate the center’s 65th anniversary during a free public event ...
Chamber needs nominations for ‘Military Family of the Year’
A: Main, Business, Events, ...
Gregg Parker 
July 16, 2025
MADISON – Madison Chamber of Commerce is encouraging residents to identify a family who has upheld a strong commitment to country and community. The c...
ADOC: Health care worker tried to smuggle meth, narcotics into correctional facility
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Staff Reports 
July 16, 2025
LIMESTONE COUNTY - A health care employee was arrested Friday for allegedly attempting to transport almost 200 grams of methamphetamine and other narc...
Central Office values Becky Tucker as ‘Staff Member of the Year’
Madison County Record, News, Schools, ...
Gregg Parker 
July 16, 2025
MADISON – Becky Turner doesn’t get hung up on labels. No matter her job title, Tucker feels called to be a servant leader. Her colleagues at Central O...
Brett Burgess named ‘Teacher of the Year’ at James Clemens
Madison County Record, News, Schools, ...
Gregg Parker 
July 16, 2025
MADISON – Brett Burgess wanted to work in Madison City Schools for association with the best in his field, both academic and coaching. James Clemens H...
Olivia Skillern named James Clemens theatre department’s artistic director
Bob Jones High School, Madison, Madison County Record, ...
Gregg Parker 
July 16, 2025
MADISON – For Olivia Skillern, it’s ‘as if I never said goodbye’ (to quote a line from “Sunset Boulevard”). With her new job in the Theatre Department...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Our Latest E-edition
Latest Stories
YUM! Spicy yet savory poppers
MADISON - Your guests won’t be able to have just one of these sweet and savory poppers. With a touch of heat from the cayenne pepper, and sweetness fr...
July 16, 2025
poll